If you want firmer skin without surgery, three names come up again and again in Manhattan: Sofwave, Ultherapy and Thermage. They all heat tissue to build collagen, but they do it differently.
Side by side
| Sofwave | Ultherapy | Thermage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound, shallow and parallel beams | Focused ultrasound, deeper layers | Radiofrequency |
| Sessions | Usually 1, yearly upkeep | Usually 1, upkeep every 1 to 2 years | 1, yearly upkeep |
| Session time | 30 to 60 minutes | 60 to 90 minutes | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Downtime | None | None to minimal | None |
| Full results | About 3 months | 2 to 3 months | 2 to 6 months |
| Manhattan practices | 45 | 57 | 23 |
How to choose
- Mild laxity, low pain tolerance: Sofwave is often described as the most comfortable of the three.
- Brow, jawline and under chin lift: Ultherapy reaches the deepest layer.
- Overall tightening and texture, including eyes and body: Thermage.
- More laxity than any of these can fix: ask a surgeon for an honest opinion.
On the record
- Kim Kardashian: Posted on Instagram in April 2025 that it was her third Sofwave session, calling it one of the only lasers that works for firming. Source: Instagram, via NewBeauty.
- Khloe Kardashian: Explained on Instagram that Sofwave keeps repairing collagen for the next six to twelve months. Source: Instagram, via NewBeauty.
- Salma Hayek Pinault: Is Ultherapy PRIME's first global brand ambassador and has spoken about embracing her own aging journey. Note: this is a paid partnership. Source: NewBeauty.
- Jackie Tohn: Told NewBeauty her skin started looking smoother and tighter immediately after Thermage. Source: NewBeauty.
Compare practices: Sofwave, Ultherapy, Thermage, and also Morpheus8 and EmFace.
On the record means the person said it themselves, in an interview, on their own show or on their own social account. We link every source. We never use celebrity photos to sell a practice, and nothing here is medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what is right for you.